Company Overview
Taylor Hopkinson is collaborating with a globally recognised infrastructure developer known for delivering high-performance, future-proof solutions in the renewable energy and digital infrastructure sectors. With rapid growth across the Asia-Pacific region, the company is now building out its data centre platform in Japan – a key strategic market driven by accelerating demand and technological transformation.
To support this expansion, we are seeking an accomplished Senior Project Development Manager – Data Centres to drive origination and development of hyperscale and edge facilities throughout Japan.

Role Overview
We are searching for a commercially astute and technically grounded Senior Project Development Manager – Data Centres to lead the origination, planning, and development of mission-critical infrastructure projects.
This role will focus on identifying new development opportunities, securing land, navigating permitting, and managing internal and external stakeholders throughout the pre-construction lifecycle. You’ll collaborate with cross-functional teams across engineering, grid, construction, and commercial, while acting as a key driver of the company’s long-term data infrastructure strategy in Japan.

Responsibilities:
* Lead the identification, evaluation, and origination of new data centre sites across strategic locations in Japan.
* Drive the development lifecycle from feasibility assessments and zoning/permitting through to commercial handover.
* Coordinate with landowners, government officials, utility companies, and local communities to facilitate development approvals.
* Prepare investment proposals, risk assessments, and commercial models to support internal decision-making.
* Oversee grid connection feasibility, site access, and permitting requirements for each location.
* Act as the principal point of contact for local regulators, agencies, and industry bodies during development.
* Collaborate with engineering, procurement, and legal teams to ensure all design and compliance requirements are integrated early in the process.
* Provide regular updates to senior leadership on project pipeline progress, risks, and timelines.
* Stay informed of market and regulatory trends that impact the growth and development of digital infrastructure in Japan.

Requirements:
* Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Real Estate, Business, or related field.
* Minimum 7 years of relevant experience in infrastructure project development, with a preference for data centre, industrial real estate, or large-scale energy projects.
* Demonstrated success managing site origination, permitting, and stakeholder engagement processes in Japan.
* Native-level fluency in Japanese; business-level English preferred.
* Familiarity with Japanese utility, construction, or telecom regulations and development processes.
* Excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills, particularly in multi-stakeholder environments.
* Strategic mindset with the ability to manage complexity and risk across multiple projects.

Location: Japan (Tokyo-based preferred, with nationwide travel as required)